1996 Ford Thunderbird LX V8 Automatic Transmission shudder

My Tbird has 121K on the odometer.Recently the transmission seems to have a slight shudder in it during shifting occasionally, but only at lower speeds/easier driving. So far my research indicates that it could be the torque converter may be empty even though the trans itself is full and clean. I don't know when the last trans service was and it has only been a few days so the shudder isn't bad, but enough for me to notice.

6 Suggested Answers

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Yes. Sounds like a plugged Trans filter or burned fluid. A full service on the Trans usually runs about $90 and is money well spent.

Another problem-which bugged me for 3 months, and had your similar symptoms, was a worn out fan clutch. It sent a shudder throughout the vehicle which mimicked a transmission issue. I know it sounds silly, but a new fan clutch cured my shifting issues.

The fan should rotate smoothly with some resistance (Engine OFF, of course) If you feel binding of any kinf, it probably is bad. Also check to see if you can cause movement fore and aft. If you can get it to rock back and forth, it is bad and needs to be replaced.

Sounds like more of a fuel problem to me.Check fuel pressure 35-40psi and or change fuel pump. Any was the car is equip with a TFI module which controls gas, spark and timing. Located in one or two areas.First spot is in the front of the car next to radiator passenger side. It will be gray in color about 3" long bolted in a heat dispactor. Spot 2 Drviers side of fire wall next to the master cylnder.

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It is time to pull the trans and rebuild itMileage has nothing to with thatIf you go to You Tube Video there is a fellowin Calif that has an excellent site where youcan learn all there is as he takes then apart & back togetherAll transmissions have know faults brand new & it iswell known they all will fail at some pointYou will get a real eye opener especially with fordsThey just keep making junk with no intention to correct a thing from year to year, That is left to the after marketto come up with the fixesA dealer takes a reman out of a plastic case & installsJust parts changers that is all a dealer isYou need a trans shopNow all they do is trans & don't know cars

Sounds like more of a fuel problem to me.Check fuel pressure 35-40psi and or change fuel pump. Any was the car is equip with a TFI module which controls gas, spark and timing. Located in one or two areas.First spot is in the front of the car next to radiator passenger side. It will be gray in color about 3" long bolted in a heat dispactor. Spot 2 Drviers side of fire wall next to the master cylnder.

get a used transmission from a wrecking yard and just replace the whole thing.
a transmission kit means you need to open the transmission up. this has hundrends of moving parts, do you realy know how to overhaul it?